BURNLEY MP Gordon Birtwistle is backing the annual Movember campaign – by growing a moustache himself.

The annual campaign raises money for prostate cancer, among issues, a cause close to Mr Birtwistle’s heart after his dad died from the disease.

When he was mayor of Burnley in 2002/03 he helped to raise nearly £60,000 for a prostate scanner at Burnley General Hospital.

He said: “The last couple of years have seen increasing numbers of men, in some cases growing spectacularly bizarre moustaches to support this campaign.

“I’m delighted that I will be playing my part this year.”

The annual Movember campaign aims to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

People can support Mr Birtwistle’s fundraising efforts by signing a sponsor form at his St James’s Row, Burnley, office or visiting his Movember webpage at http://uk.movember.com/ mospace/5582641.